Catholics lease building with image of Virgin Mary

An office building where many people believe they can see the image of the Virgin Mary was leased Friday to a Catholic group that wants to turn it into a religious center.

The rainbow-colored image on the windows of the building has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since it was discovered in December 1996.The building was earlier used as the offices of the Ugly Duckling used car company, which moved this week. Ohio-based Shepherds of Christ Ministries took over the building and plans to open a religious bookstore soon, executive director Paul Rush said.

The group has put a statue of Jesus in the parking lot in front of the image and is holding daily evening prayer services.